THIS MONTH’S ISSUE

For our September Eat Local issue, photographer Jackelin Slack pairs fresh fungi with foraging forest creatures! Find more of her delicious, vibrant images on Instagram @jackelinslack and eat up our feature on Intermountain Gourmet Mushrooms.

Read the issue »

About SLUG Magazine

An alternative monthly publication covering music, arts, culture, lifestyle, LGBTQ+, BIPOC communities and more in Salt Lake City.

More About SLUG Mag »

LISTEN NOW

 

Latest Features

Play Review: Murder On the Orient Express
By

Murder on the Orient Express Pioneer Theatre Company Sept. 22—Oct. 7, 2023 Buy Tickets Pioneer Theatre Company’s (PTC) Murder on the Orient Express stands as the biggest, most colorful ensemble...

Performance & Theatre

Bold & Beautiful: Ana Lee Kage
By

Since leaving architecture behind, Ana Lee Kage has combined her love for creating unique clothing with a long-running love for drag to stand out as both a performer and a...

Performance & Theatre

NASA’s Ben Ashman on OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Landing in Utah
By

NASA's Ben Ashman talks about the upcoming asteroid sample return, set to land in Utah. … read more

Community

From Roadblocks to Block Party: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Michelda...
By

On Saturday, September 16 at 2 p.m., Versatile Image, a creative agency that supports small businesses, will host the third annual UNITY Block Party: Finding the U in Community. … read more

Local Events

SLUG Style: Katie Child
By

Draped in leather jackets and heavy boots, Katie Child has the sense of style that blends Western and rock-n-roll. … read more

Fashion

Grid City Music Fest: A Celebration of South Salt Lake...
By

South Salt Lake City hosts this year’s Grid City Music Fest Aug. 25–26 to show off the vibrant business and a notable restaurants the comprise area. … read more

Local Events

The Story of Three Sisters: A Celebration of Indigenous Foodways
By

The Three Sisters dinner brought together local leaders working to support communities of color through food advocacy. … read more

SLUGmag

Bold & Beautiful: Lexis Monroig
By

Lexis Monroig describes drag as the door that allowed her to be herself. … read more

Performance & Theatre

The 15th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival Presented by...
By

Looking back on all the photos we took of the 15th Annual DIY Fest, no matter where you looked, someone was having a great time in great company. … read more

Local Events

SLUG Style: Abigail Peña
By

With fashion influences ranging from cartoons to Kahlo, Abigail Peña's closet is colorful and never dull. … read more

Fashion

Sixth Sense SLC: Celebrating Life With Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi...
By

At the Sixth Sense event, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar spoke to a wide ballroom filled with people intrigued and excited about meditation practices.  … read more

Local Events

Shauna Brand and The Meddlesome Mystery of The Fringe Festival
By

If you’re looking for family-friendly fun with flair, get a clue and grab a seat for The Advantageous Adventures of Mrs. Meddlesome: Curse of the Tomb. … read more

Performance & Theatre

Benjamin Powell on Utah Pacific Fashion Show 2023
By

Utah Pacific Fashion hosts its very first Utah Pacific Fashion Show on July 29, and the show will feature prominent Pacific Islander designers from across Utah. … read more

Fashion

Bold & Beautiful: Starlett Mars-Magazine
By

Although Starlett Mars-Magazine is relatively new to the Utah drag scene, she's not one to miss. Mars-Magazine is rising through the ranks with speed and style. … read more

Performance & Theatre

SLAC’s Summer Show: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
By

Salt Lake Acting Company’s satirical look at Utah’s year-in-review rarely disappoints, and this year is no different. … read more

Performance & Theatre

SLUG Style: Muriel Langdon
By

Muriel Langdon is a Salt Lake City-based designer creating bright, elegant swim and loungewear perfect for any pool party. … read more

Fashion

Bold & Beautiful: Davín
By

Davin is a performer that won the Queers Got Talent event held earlier this month. … read more

Performance & Theatre

SLUG Mag’s Brewstillery 2023 @ Artspace City Center 06.17
By

At SLUG Mag's Brewstillery 2023, folks tasted offerings from over 40 brewers and distillers from every corner of Utah.  … read more

Brewstillery | Food Festivals & Events

Meet the SLUG Picnic Food Truck: Haute Burgers & Fries
By

Get to know our June SLUG Picnic food truck, Haute Burgers & Fries, through the interview with owner and manager Chef Tony. … read more

Food: Interviews & Features

SLUG Style: Mao Barroteran
By

Mao Barroteran's style feels ahead of its time. With a background in dancing and music, Barroteran treats every sidewalk as their runway. … read more

Fashion

The 11th Annual SLUG Cat Presented By New Belgium Fat...
By

Every available spot for the 11th Annual SLUG Cat Presented By New Belgium Fat Tire was filled by an eager rider ready to race for first. … read more

SLUG Cat

Bold & Beautiful: Lexa Leigh
By

Most of us would never consider exposing our souls on stage to a crowd of strangers. For pole dancer Lexa Leigh, this experience is familiar. … read more

Performance & Theatre

Tatum Langton on Her One-Woman Show REDEEMher
By

Storytelling drives Tatum Langton, and following that calling brings her a sense of purpose and peace, driving her toward daring, creative challenges. … read more

Performance & Theatre

Pride Month starts early at Pioneer Theatre Company’s The Prom
By

The Prom may have fallen short on some things, but what Pioneer Theatre Company produced is a heartbreakingly accurate look at a modern queer love story.  … read more

Performance & Theatre

SLUG Style: Elise Jones
By

Elise Jones is a yoga therapist and roller skater from Salt Lake City whose active lifestyles blend a colorful palette with fitness and vintage clothing. … read more

Fashion

Expressing Hip-Hop Culture at The HERC
By

Since 2009, The HERC has been a safe space for artists to convene, express themselves and add their unique flair to the community. … read more

Community

Queers in Wonderland: Utah Pride Center’s Adult Queer Prom 2023
By

Queer Prom provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks to celebrate all forms of expression without the stress of conformity.  … read more

Local Events

Dreamers Wish Foundation 1st Annual Dance Party and Gala @...
By

Dreamers Wish Foundation's commitment to service is sincere, and anyone who’d like to join the organization on its journey is invited to come along. … read more

Local Events

Bold & Beautiful: Tara Lipsyncki
By

If anyone is the epitome of being both bold and gorgeous AF, it’s Tara Lipsyncki, a drag performer, activist, comedian and all-around amazing individual. … read more

Performance & Theatre

A Personal Look into Our Political History with What the...
By

Many performances make an effort to transport you into another world, but What the Constitution Means to Me traps us within our own reality. … read more

Performance & Theatre

13th Annual Bunny Hop @ The Garage on Beck 4.09
By

Jesse Walker’s 13th Annual Bunny Hop! brought together people from different backgrounds to celebrate spring and make a positive social impact. … read more

Local Events

SLUG Style: Adrienne Wild
By

An entrepreneur at her core, Adrienne Wild creates interesting lines and silhouettes in her outfits, mixing professionalism with playful disruption.  … read more

Art and Fashion

Utah Playwright Jenifer Nii’s Final Farewell with Fire!
By

Jenifer Nii’s Fire! follows the journey of one of the most noteworthy and unsung Black men from Utah, Wallace Henry Thurman … read more

Performance & Theatre

Pride Ride Utah 2023: Snow Sports for LGBTQ+ at Brighton...
By

Pride Ride Day raises funds for mental health struggles LGBTQ+ people commonly face in Utah while capitalizing on Utah’s spring snow. … read more

Local Events

A Portrait of Humor and Sadness in The Melancholy Play
By

The Melancholy Play is funny and well-designed, and it portrays mental health, something our society knows all too well, with hope that it can get better. … read more

Performance & Theatre

Bold & Beautiful: Ms. Jaliah J.
By

Moving toward the goal of becoming a full-time drag queen, Jaliah is excited to see where this journey takes her. … read more

Art and Fashion | Performance & Theatre

Carter Denos: Finding a Voice Through Art
By

Denos’s resistance to the pressures of conformity makes his design complement a key part of SLUG Magazine’s mission to amplify alternative art. … read more

Art

SLUG Style: Jazmin Mendoza
By

Jazmin Mendoza is a photographer from Salt Lake City who errs toward candid photography and free movement, particularly at events within the SLC art scene. … read more

Fashion

Women of the World 13th Annual Fashion Show & Cultural...
By

The 13th Annual Women of the World Annual Fashion Show and Cultural Gala brought friends, fashion and food together in celebration of another successful year. … read more

Community

Rio Connelly’s Inaugural Cider Release at Scion Cider Bar
By

Rio Connelly has brought experience and excitement to his newest local cider series as Head Cider Maker at award-winning Scion Cider Bar.  … read more

Beer & Spirits

Illustrating the Inbetween: Mel Aphayrath
By

Mel Aphayrath's illustrations explore sibling interactions, the overall art of conversation and life's quiet little displays of love. … read more

Art

The Noori Screendance Festival: A Love Letter to Intentional Movement
By

The Noori Screendance Festival is a celebration of film and dance and the way the two disciplines combine, a partnership that lends to surprise and play. … read more

Performance & Theatre

Bold & Beautiful: Mari Cona
By

Mari Cona is a spicy, talented boss queen who runs a wig styling business called Wigs by Mari and describes herself as “Salt Lake's favorite Mexican snack.” … read more

Performance & Theatre

Music

Local Review: WEY – Poultice Route
By

Poultice Route is a groovy, noise-rock, punk record featuring chunky rhythms, peculiar lyrics and catchy, discordant melodies. WEY sounds liberated and joyous about it. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Lean Canteen – It Don’t Matter
By

Lean Canteen does lean (pun intended) toward the country side of rockabilly, and with a steel guitar player like James Cherry, they can do real country stompers. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Angela Isaacs – Missing Cat!
By

Missing Cat! is a humble collection of songs rooted in classic acoustic sound. Angela Isaacs doesn’t ask for publicity, but for listeners with a hefty vulnerability. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Music on the Mountain: Second Annual Park City Song Summit
By

The second annual Park City Song Summit is back Sept. 7–9, and this time it’s found a brand new home at the Canyons Village Resort. … read more

Music Interviews

Bluebird Bands: The Newest Evolution of Sundance Resort’s Collaboration with...
By

Bluebird Bands will be set on the same timeless stage as the Bluebird Cafe Concert Series but will take on a more classic concert approach with a full band playing....

Local Events

Local Review: Zyglrox – Stoic
By

Zyglrox ties together tight, diverse instrumentation with a rich collection of philosophical samples to create an incredibly clear viewpoint and sense of mood. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Tessa Violet On Becoming A Bad Bitch And Empowering Others
By

Tessa Violet's new album MY GOD! follows the arduous journey of Violet finding herself after the brutal, emotional vacancy that occurs after heartbreak. … read more

Music Interviews

Local Review: Menu Diving – Divinity Embraced
By

Menu Diving produces a unique album that gives us a beautiful experience of jumpy twitches and ethereal moments in their latest release, Divinity Embraced. … read more

Local Music Reviews | Music

Crucialfest 12: An Interview with Mizmor and Døne
By

For local metalheads, the Crucialfest 12 is the perfect place to expand your music palette and connect with musicians of all hardcore genres. … read more

Music Interviews

Mind the Gap Festival 2023: A Conversation with Boyish and...
By

In a joint interview with SLUG, the two indie-rock acts chat about the wild energy of Utah crowds and fending off disparaging comments from sound guys. … read more

Music Festival Coverage | Music Interviews

Local Review: Lysergic Ashes – Crocodile Sweets
By

Crocodile Sweets gives us a place to lie next to our disquiet, look it in the eye and fall asleep together. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Ben Ra – demoliri
By

demoliri features chopped and reverb beats with muted snares and monotone vocals, reflecting the title by making what feels like a record full of demo tracks. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Catgrove St. – Glory to the Unborn !
By

Catgrove St. melds folk-punk composition with emo lyricism for a playfully miserable and cathartic record that will make you weep and bob your head in turns. … read more

Local Music Reviews

What it Means to be ‘Tenderpunk’: An Interview with illuminati...
By

Illuminati hotties has earned the title of tenderpunk pioneer. Sweet but tough, their music is sure to be a hit when they play at Library Square on August 3. … read more

Music Interviews

Local Review: American Humor – Inflation
By

Inflation is a pure pop-punk release—11 tracks of open chords, distorted guitars and anthemic chorus with a genuine appreciation for the form. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Tycoon Machete – The Great Machine
By

Tycoon Machete's first full length album is a post-grunge, psychedelic slumber, with their anti-capitalist lyrics etched on the glass inside of a lava lamp. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Apocalyptic Sound: An Interview with Clan of Xymox’s Ronny Moorings
By

Clan of Xymox believes that empathy and kindness seem to be lacking in today’s global society. One way or another, “The Great Reset” is coming. … read more

Music Interviews

Local Review: Josaleigh Pollett – In the Garden, By the...
By

In the Garden, By the Weeds creates an entire world to get swept away in; it's sharp toothed, tender and true to Pollett's brand of heart-wrenching songwriting.  … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: KJ! – 801s Demos
By

Lyrically, KJ! brings it with dense bars, catchy, creative choruses and wit—something severely lacking in a majority of rap music these days. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Number One Babe Team – See You Later
By

See You Later is the kind of album where you need to sit alone with your thoughts for a day or two to really soak in the emotions and sound. ...

Local Music Reviews

Review: Lewis Capaldi – Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly...
By

Lewis Capaldi = Dermot Kennedy x Niall Horan … read more

National Music Reviews

Local Review: Andrew Aguilera – Future Views
By

Andrew Aguilera = C418 + Oneohtrix Point Never … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Pixie And The Partygrass Boys – The Chicken...
By

Pixie And The Partygrass Boys = Thelma Houston + Charlie Daniels + Nitty Gritty Dirt Band … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Shay Obray – Flowers
By

Shay Obray = Hayley Williams + Olivia Rodrigo + Kacey Musgraves … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Hibernaut – Ingress
By

Hibernaut = Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats + Electric Wizard … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Prince Duck – A Comfort To You
By

Prince Duck = Moby + Iron & Wine … read more

Local Music Reviews

Kilby Block Party 4 @ Utah State Fairpark 5/12–5/14

The fourth Kilby Block Party took place at the Utah State Fairpark from May 12–14. Since its first iteration in 2019, the event has grown bigger and bigger, culminating in this largest offering to...

Music Festival Coverage

Local Review: Icky Rogers – Chasing Saturday
By

Icky Rogers = De La Soul + Alice Coltrane + Morcheeba … read more

Local Music Reviews

Indigo De Souza Loves You No Matter What You’re Wearing
By

What would you like to do before you die? It’s an intimidating question, but Indigo De Souza is no stranger to creative contemplations on mortality. … read more

Music Interviews

Local Review: Angel Magic – Generational Color
By

Angel Magic = Aphex Twin + Mac DeMarco … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Eyes of Eva – Temptation
By

Eyes of Eva = The Rigs x Halestorm - Skillet … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: ECHOES FROM THE VALLEY
By

Featuring over a dozen bands from the early '00s, ECHOES FROM THE VALLEY compilation is equal part lost aughts treasures and equal part fresh bangers for 2023. … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: future.exboyfriend – FXB
By

future.exboyfriend = Tame Impala x Still Woozy ^ MGMT … read more

Local Music Reviews

The Murder Capital: A State of Mind
By

The Murder Capital's Diarmuid Brennan discusses the new album, what makes the Dublin music scene so great and how their album concepts are more like states of mind. … read more

Interviews

Review: Purling Hiss – Drag on Girard
By

Purling Hiss = Meth Wax + The Intelligence + The Undertones  … read more

National Music Reviews

Local Review: The Snarlin’ Yarns – It Never Ends
By

The Snarlin' Yarns = John Doe + The Knitters + X … read more

Local Music Reviews

Local Review: Pale Dream – Curse
By

Pale Dream = Sigur Rós + The Cure + Pale Waves … read more

Local Music Reviews

Review: Shana Cleveland – Manzanita
By

Shana Cleveland = Cat Stevens + Alice Coltrane + Richard Brautigan … read more

National Music Reviews

Review: Fever Ray – Radical Romantics
By

Fever Ray = HEALTH + Kate Bush x Poppy … read more

National Music Reviews

Review: Kelsea Ballerini – Rolling Up the Welcome Mat
By

Kelsea Ballerini = Maren Morris x Maddie & Tae … read more

National Music Reviews

Review: Endless, Nameless – Living Without
By

Endless, Nameless = Paramore–Sweet Spirit + Suicidal Tendencies + stage equipment falling off a cliff … read more

National Music Reviews

Review: Gracie Abrams – Good Riddance
By

Gracie Abrams = Hozier x Holly Humberstone … read more

National Music Reviews

Review: RAYLR – Chasing Something
By

RAYLR = The Band CAMINO + Vacation Manor + The 1975 … read more

National Music Reviews

Invasion of the Death Valley Girls
By

Being in orbit with Death Valley Girls' Bonnie Bloomgarden is like swimming in the super infinite with a galactic white witch that transcends space and time. … read more

Interviews

Review: Andy Shauf – Norm
By

Andy Shauf = Elliott Smith + Chris Staples … read more

National Music Reviews

Film

Film Review: The Creator
By

The Creator isn’t necessarily going to be remembered as a masterpiece, but it is going to be remembered. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Flora and Son
By

If you’re longing for a movie that will make you smile, wipe away your tears and start tapping your toes, Flora and Son hits all the right notes. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Dumb Money
By

The underdog story is a tried-and-true formula. In the case of Dumb Money, it's average people vs. the Wall Street power brokers in the ultimate showdown. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: A Haunting in Venice
By

A Haunting in Venice won’t be showing up on top-10-best lists, and it’s nothing particularly new, though the latter is hardly a strike against it. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Scrapper
By

Like Georgie herself, Scrapper highly deserves attention and love—this is a movie that you simply don’t want to miss out on. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose
By

Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose left me wanting, and it almost feels like a pitch for a movie that isn't quite finished. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Equalizer 3
By

The Equalizer 3 Director: Antoine Fuqua Escape Artists In Theaters: 09.01 “Third time’s the charm” rarely applies to film. From The Godfather Part III to Spider-Man 3, the third chapter...

Film Reviews

Film Review: Mutt
By

Mutt is a terrific film that truly falls into the “must see” category, whether it’s a story that you relate to or perhaps especially if it’s not. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Good Mother
By

The Good Mother is a serviceable and forgettable thriller that feels rushed and compromised by budget and runtime constraints. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Hill
By

The human drama in The Hill is so bland that it’s hard to care and far too corny to be taken seriously. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Golda
By

Golda has good intentions in trying to honor a major figure and capture a significant period, yet it misses every opportunity to make that feel interesting. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Blue Beetle
By

Blue Beetle isn't going to be the breakthrough film that makes the genre skyrocket back to its full glory, but it may help slow the descent just a bit.  … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Strays
By

Strays didn’t need to reach high to be guilty-pleasure entertainment; it just needed to do more than revel in reaching as low as possible. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Afire
By

Afire is a slow burn, a slight yet engrossing and ultimately moving slice-of-life film not for all tastes. … read more

Film Reviews

Dustin Guy Defa Talks The Adults
By

The Adults, the new film from Writer/Director Dustin Guy Defa, grapples with childhood and identity as it explores the relationships between three adult siblings. … read more

Film Interviews

Film Review: Psychosis
By

Psychosis is a chilling homage to the noir genre, sprinkling Easerhead oddities throughout. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Last Voyage of the Demeter
By

The Last Voyage of the Demeter is an entertaining, gothic-horror thriller that flirts with greatness only to fall short. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Jules
By

Jules recalls nothing so much as the kind of bargain basement, straight-to-VHS movies of the late ’80s and early ’90s. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Dreamin’ Wild
By

Dreamin’ Wild Director: Bill Pohland River Road Entertainment In Theaters 08.04.2023 Dreamin’ Wild is a unique entry in the musician biopic genre in that it’s not just about telling a...

Film Reviews

Film Review: Biosphere
By

While Biosphere isn’t the worst film I have seen in the past year, it didn’t stick out to me as anything special. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Shortcomings
By

If you’re looking for a small, quirky indie flick that’s never boring, Shortcomings is a film that thankfully fails completely to live up to its title. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
By

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is not even close to being definitive, and for hard core fans, the key to enjoying it is to embrace that fact. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour
By

Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour takes a look at the effects the Barbie doll has had on the United States since her conception in 1959. … read more

Film Reviews

Barbenheimer: The Double Feature Digging Theaters Out of Their Grave 
By

The success of Barbie and Oppenheimer is driving a cultural and creative reset. … read more

Film

Film Review: Earth Mama
By

Earth Mama is a beautiful film and powerful character study about the sort of person that society judges daily yet rarely makes any effort to understand. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Talk To Me
By

Talk To Me is a brisk watch offering a clever concept, true terror beyond the fleeting nature of a jump scare. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Haunted Mansion
By

Haunted Mansion may struggle to find its footing in theaters, but it has a definite future as traditional October viewing. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Beanie Bubble
By

The Beanie Bubble accomplishes what it sets out to do, entertaining audiences and telling a story on recognizing a toxic relationship and embracing self worth. … read more

Film

Sundance in The Summer: Local Lens with Basil Tsiokos
By

Sundance’s Local Lens event is an opportunity for Utahns to see films outside of the typical festival schedule and on a smaller scale. … read more

Film

Film Review: Barbie
By

Barbie doesn't just make a toy seem real; it makes that toy's literal and philosophical journey to reality the core of its story. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Oppenheimer
By

Oppenheimer is smart, ambitious and has an epic “event movie” quality that combines serious drama with a blockbuster sense of showmanship. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: They Cloned Tyrone
By

They Cloned Tyrone is far and away one of the best films of the summer, and it’s a smart, hilarious, action-packed and thought-provoking mindbender. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Miracle Club
By

The Miracle Club is a disposable film that is far from terrible, though the only real miracle here is that anyone thought this was a story worth telling. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Lesson
By

The Lesson is a solidly executed film that’s worth seeing once just for Grant’s performance, and some audiences are going to love it. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One.
By

After reinvigorating the audiences with the exciting Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise has accepted his mission to save us from the box office slump once again. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Black Guelph
By

John Connors’ clouds the Emerald Isle in a darker, more spiteful tone in The Black Guelph's look at Ireland’s decaying underclass. … read more

Film Reviews

Nick Bruno and Troy Quane on the Magical Message of...
By

Nimona, from directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, is a story of transformation that celebrates finding joy in the most magical beings of all: our true selves. … read more

Film Interviews

Film Review: Isip the Warrior
By

Isip the Warrior works because it paints a picture of the things we always feel. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Abled
By

In spite of Abled’s narrative struggles, Blake Leeper’s story is one well worth telling, especially in a time where competitions are growing more exclusive … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
By

Patrick Gibbs, one of the most stalwart fans of the series, finds Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a satisfying epilogue. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: No Hard Feelings
By

No Hard Feelings is a winning and thoroughly charming comedy that has the potential to be a real crowd-pleaser. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Farewelling
By

Farewelling hits pretty much every indie drama trope—a love triangle, dramatic pop music needle drops and slow motion shots are just the tip of the iceberg. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Asteroid City
By

For all of Asteroid City’s careful layers of contrivance, it shows a collage of delicately emotional characters. … read more

Film Reviews

Director Anthony Mandler on Surrounded
By

A quick glance at Antony Mandler’s IMDb page hardly makes one jump to the thought that he’s the perfect choice to make the next great western. One of the most...

Film Interviews

Film Review: Past Lives
By

Redefining a relationship with a past love has rarely been handled with such a real sense of truth. Past Lives is a beautiful and haunting story. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Flash
By

The Flash is a disappointing installment to the DC cinematic universe, with some of the worst CGI in recent history. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Elemental
By

Elemental isn’t reinventing the wheel, though it does stand out by being Pixar’s first straight-up romantic comedy. … read more

Film Reviews

Backlog: A Short Film With An Imperative Message
By

A college party, a dingy bathroom, dorm rooms and a senate hearing. What do they have in common? They’re all featured in the groundbreaking film Backlog. … read more

Film Interviews

Traveling to New Orleans, Schmicago and the Planet of the...
By

Karin Konoval is best known for her role as Maurice the Orangutan in the Planet of the Apes prequels. Her background in musical theater and performance finally came to film...

Film Interviews

Film Review: The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster
By

The political commentary in The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster takes a backseat to Atsu-Swanzy’s terrifying, stridulous moans and looming, monstrous presence. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Sanctuary
By

If you're looking to escape the familiar trappings of recycled blockbusters, the darkly comic psychological thriller Sanctuary is a great place to hide out. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Egghead & Twinkie
By

Egghead & Twinkie is a low-budget comedy that wears its heart and influences on its sleeve, and it’s sure to resonate deeply with its target audience. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Starling Girl
By

The Starling Girl fits right in with the growing collection of traditional Christian anecdotes of religious trauma. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
By

While we are definitely reaching a point where multiverse movies are becoming too common, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is easily among the best of them. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Influencer
By

Influencer was a surprise. The emotions in the first 15 minutes are worlds away from those in the last. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: The Little Mermaid
By

While it does manage to be an enjoyable and visually sumptuous summer blockbuster, The Little Mermaid isn’t new or great enough to be a new Disney classic. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Master Gardener
By

While Master Gardener plants strong seeds, what grows is undernourished and never quite as beautiful or impactful as you want it to be. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Carmen
By

Benjamin Millipied's Carmen is one operatic performance that simply hits too many sour notes to endure. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Cane Fire
By

Cane Fire tells its story from the perspective of its locals; the real people who lived through generations of oppression. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Black Orpheus
By

In Black Orpheus, a sense pervades that the events are animated by the breath of the past and will restate themselves again and again. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Fast X
By

Fast X can’t help but feel like a transitional moment, setting up the pieces for things to come. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Consecration
By

The grandiosity of Consecration’s ideas are never given the space they need to flourish cloistered among the nuns in this secluded convent. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: What’s Love Got To Do With It?
By

What’s Love Got To With It? caught me by surprise in all the best ways. Arrange some time to see this with the person you love. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Huesera: The Bone Woman
By

Huesera: The Bone Woman is not horror’s next big thing, but its combination a scary story and motherhood themes makes for an interesting film. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Polite Society
By

Polite Society knows exactly what it wants to be and has both the courage to break molds and a director with the skill and vision to cast new ones. … read more

Film Reviews

Film Review: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3
By

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 is a glorious return to form for the MCU and a satisfying final chapter to arguably the best and most unique Marvel series. … read more

Film Reviews

SLUG Soundwaves

Episode #424 – Zaza Historia VanDyke

VanDyke chats about transitioning from playing in a classical orchestra to improvising as both a solo singer-songwriter and half of nu metal band DOOMCUPCAKE.  … read more

Episode #423 – Andrew Aguilera

Electronic musician Andrew Aguilera talks about his various projects, including Angel Magic and Mooninite, as well as his recent forays into ambient music. … read more

Episode #422 – Anode

In an interview with SLUG Soundwaves, Joe Phillips (aka Anode) discusses his obsession with rhythm and the lack of rules in creating electronic music. … read more

Episode #421 – Dante Lerae

Ambient electronic artist Dante Lerae reflects on his diverse range of musical influences from classical jazz to Daft Punk in this meditative, transcendental episode. … read more

Episode #420 – Sleep Cult

Ahead of their set at SLUG Picnic on Saturday, July 22, Isaac and Bryson from Sleep Cult chat with SLUG Soundwaves about their musical journey. … read more

Episode #419 – Assisted Living

Before performing at SLUG Picnic on July 22, Jade Whitlock from Assisted Living talks to SLUG Soundwaves about the "grungegaze" genre and their recent self-titled EP. … read more

Episode #418 – tvlen

Before he performs at our first SLUG Picnic of the summer, tvlen comes to SLUG Soundwaves and details his recently released album, the house is drowning. … read more

Episode #417 – HXSTAGE

Ahead of his performance at our first SLUG Picnic of the summer, unclassifiable local artist HXSTAGE comes to SLUG Soundwaves to tell his musical story. … read more

Episode #416 – The Moss

In between a string of festival dates and tours around the country, The Moss come to SLUG Soundwaves to talk about the origins of their alternative, beachy sound. … read more

Episode #415 – Josh Doss

Musician Josh Doss of Josh Doss & The Cancers joins this episode of SLUG Soundwaves to discuss the origins of The Cancers, his musical influences and the band’s upcoming performance...

Episode #414 – Igama

Ogden musician Igama hops on SLUG Soundwaves fresh off of his new album, Slow Steady Road, and discusses the origins of his quasi-ambient, instrumental sound. … read more

Episode #413 – Sangam

Jyothsna Sainath and Wachira Waigwa-Stone discuss Sangam, which combines classical Indian dance with musical influences from around the globe. … read more

Episode #412 – Ben Swisher

Ben Swisher discusses his philosophical approach to music, the origins of his new project, A Windchime, and more on SLUG Soundwaves. … read more

Episode #411 – Stella Standingbear

In this episode of SLUG Soundwaves, musician Stella Standingbear sits down with SLUG to talk about her upcoming EP, Still Standing. … read more

Soundwaves #410 – Lil Du Bois

Episode #410 on SLUG Soundwaves features local hip-hop artist Lil Du Bois. Listen to music from his new album, Portraits, and here the artist discuss the artistic melting pot of Utah and his...

Episode #409 – Saysha

Fresh off the release of her new single, "Our Imagination," local electronic musician Saysha comes to SLUG Soundwaves to tell the story of her musical journey.  … read more

Episode #408 – Sunpuppy

Salt Lake–based Jazz trio Sunpuppy come on SLUG Soundwaves to discuss the process of creating original music after nearly a year of playing covers at local restaurants.

Episode #407 – Threar

Post-hardcore group Threar talk about the origins of their bleak, distorted sound, their songwriting process and how they excise their emotions through music. … read more

Episode #406 – Meraki Rozes

Salt Lake City–based alternative music Meraki Rozes discusses the concept behind her debut full-length, THE UNDERWORLD OF ENDLESS WANDERING. … read more

Episode #405 – Beeson

Fresh off of her win at Velour's Battle of  the Bands, Utah County–based artist Jane Beeson talks about her band, named Beeson, her songwriting style and more.  … read more

Episode #404 – Endless Struggle

Utah punk group Endless Struggle on their history in SLC's punk and alternative scenes, their return to music after a long hiatus and their upcoming album. … read more

Episode #403 – Mykah

Born from challenging upbringing, MYKAH's music career reflects the determination she feels toward life's professional and personal obstacles. … read more

Episode #402 – Trainsurfing

On the latest episode of SLUG Soundwaves, Salt Lake City rock band Trainsurfing discusses the collective love of heavy music that led to their EP Bitter. … read more

Episode #401 – &Knuckles

&Knuckles vocalist and guitarist Josh Derieg discusses the band's origins, their debut album, Songs to Stop Folding Your Arms To, and more. … read more

Episode #400 – Brain Detergent

Local techno producer and synthesizer wizard Brain Detergent comes to SLUG Soundwaves to discuss his long history with electronic music, synthesis and more. … read more

Episode #399 – Scott Lippitt

Listen to Scott Lippitt discuss his musical journey, meditation and more alongside tracks from his upcoming album, Meaning Maker, to be released on Oct. 7.  … read more

Episode #398 – Blair Street

Soundwaves Episode #398 features SLUG Picnic performers Blair Street, a Utah band who combine indie, pop, latin rock sounds and more into their own blend. … read more

SLUG Merch

MUSIC

MAGS

MERCH